PhD project: Understanding student decision making in physics degree pathways
Project description
Prospective students who have decided to study a degree in physics or astronomy must choose which university and specific programme to enrol in. For a number of years, entrance statistics for the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh have indicated that the balance between female and male students enrolling here is distinct from the national average, with a greater proportion of female students than is typical, giving a notably more even gender balance in the cohort. We are keen to investigate in detail why that is: what factors influence the choices students make to come here, and why a noteworthy fraction of female students choose to do so over other options.
Furthermore, we also have anecdotal information that male and female students may make differing choices about their pathways through the degree programme, in terms of choice of named programme, switching between named programmes, choice of Bachelors versus Masters programmes, switching between these programmes, and when and how to graduate. We wish to systematically investigate these pathway choices and the factors that influence them.
While a major aspect of this research will be on factors relating to gender, we are keen to broaden the consideration to other demographic categories where possible, and to take an intersectional approach to the research questions. This project will involve both quantitative methods (e.g. questionnaires, statistical analysis of records) and qualitative methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups, ethnographic studies). The outcomes of this project will influence both local policy and the local environment here at Edinburgh, but will also speak to wider issues both nationally and internationally, where Physics as a discipline is known to be under-represented within some demographic spheres. This research should help enhance opportunities and representation within Physics and Astronomy more widely.
Please note: for administrative reasons, Physics Education Research at Edinburgh sits within the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems. For application purposes, the relevant research programme is Condensed Matter PhD; however, Physics Education Research PhDs are awarded as a PhD in Physics. This studentship is available for application now, for a PhD commencing in September 2025.
Project supervisor
- Professor Ross Galloway (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisor welcomes informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.